Peter Shalulile’s form boosts Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of Orlando Pirates clash

Peter Shalulile is reaping the benefits of his hard work, which is why the Mamelodi Sundowns striker is expected to terrorise Orlando Pirates in a blockbuster, top-of-the-table Betway Premiership clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon (3.30pm kick-off).

The Brazilians are top of the log with 21 points, three ahead of the third-placed Buccaneers, who have two games in hand.

Despite being in fine form in the league - having won their last six games without conceding a goal - Pirates are underdogs heading into the nation’s capital, especially given the fact that they were thrashed 4-1 by Sundowns at the same venue last season.

Sundowns will also head into the match high on confidence; Unlike Pirates, they qualified for the CAF Champions League group stage after hammering Nigerian side Remo Stars 7-1 on aggregate in the last round of group qualifiers.

Shalulile led the qualification charge, the Namibian scoring a goal apiece home and away. His contributions in recent games have seen many singing his praises, with fans believing he’s slowly but surely getting back to his best.

As the champions welcome the runners-up to their turf, coach Miguel Cardoso is expected to place some of the scoring responsibilities on the shoulders of the Namibian international, who is high in confidence at the moment.

“Like any player in the team, we believe that Peter is living in a good moment right now,” Cardoso said. “He’s happier, but that started at the beginning of the season.

“There were issues regarding him staying at the club, and some questions. But when the hearts connected, the smiles appeared, and the performances appeared as well. He’s been training very well and is committed to the job.

“He didn’t play sooner because, as you understand, Iqraam (Rayners) was scoring in almost every match. I also don’t usually line up two strikers; it only happens at certain moments.

“So, Peter showed hard work, belief, and patience as a professional. When Iqraam was not in the national team, Peter showed heart by accumulating minutes and demonstrating the level of work and commitment he has for the club.”

Cardoso isn’t reading too much into the fact that Pirates are out of continental football and will now go all out in domestic competitions, including striving to dethrone Sundowns for the title.

“I think that has nothing to do with us regarding the PSL and the rivalry between the two clubs,” Cardoso said. “We should understand that in 2029 there’s the Club World Cup again, and the two teams will compete with each other for a spot there.

“So not playing a full group-stage campaign in a full season is a bit tough, because if we do well, we can earn points that will obviously put us in a World Cup qualifying position.”

Cardoso is also fully aware that the rivalry between the two teams now transcends club football, as many of their players have forged strong bonds in the national team, Bafana Bafana, making it harder for them to accept defeat against one another.

“We don’t see that impacting any kind of negativity on either side regarding the competition,” continued Cardoso on Pirates’ failure to reach the group stage. “It’s a different kind of competition and mindset.

“There’s too much at stake - not only in the PSL - but also in the rivalry the players have among themselves.

“They are friends, and we see how players from different teams support each other’s success on social media. When they go to the national team, they joke with each other and push one another to do better. So, they obviously all want to succeed.”